Furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus and system to prevent tip-overs

ABSTRACT

A furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus has a foot portion and a front portion disposed along a back portion of the foot portion. It also has an elevation portion disposed behind the front portion; and an adjustment means for securing a unit within the elevation portion. When the unit is secured between an inside portion of the front portion and the adjustment means, the unit is elevated along a front part of the unit thereby moving the center of gravity further back from the front part thus stabilizing the unit. The elevation portion and the adjustment means are all angled downward at a selected negative angle forming an angled surface wherein the unit will fit snugly therein when the unit is placed on the elevation portion. The system works in conjunction with drawer extension limiters to prevent tip-overs even when a downward force is applied.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 63/026,406, filed May 18, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Thousands of children are injured or even killed in tip-over accidents each year in the United States. Dressers are especially prone to tip-over but other things such as shelves, bookcases, filing cabinets, and even appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. Additionally, shelves and other things are prone to tip-over during earthquakes.

It is known to attach straps or brackets to dressers and other things to prevent tip-overs, but all of these prior art solutions require attaching the object to a wall to prevent the tip-over. This generally means the user will be required to attach the straps or brackets to the wall and to the unit being stabilized. This often involves drilling or other fastening means which is not always desirable or even possible in some rental situations.

There is a need for a simple and safe apparatus and system for stabilizing dressers and other units to prevent tip-overs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus has a foot portion and a front portion disposed along a back portion of the foot portion. It also has an elevation portion disposed behind the front portion; and an adjustment means for securing a unit within the elevation portion. When the unit is secured between an inside portion of the front portion and the adjustment means, the unit is elevated along a front part of the unit thereby moving the center of gravity further back from the front part thus stabilizing the unit. The elevation portion and the adjustment means are all angled downward at a selected negative angle forming an angled surface wherein the unit will fit snugly therein when the unit is placed on the elevation portion. The system works in conjunction with drawer extension limiters to prevent tip-overs even when a downward force is applied.

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with a structural insert.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 configured for use.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 configured for use.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention having an adjustment screw.

FIG. 14 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a drawer extension limiter used in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the drawer extension limiter shown in FIG. 15 installed on a drawer.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the drawer extension limiter shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of drawer extension limiter installed on an alternative location.

FIG. 19 is another illustration of drawer extension limiters installed on another alternative location.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a drawer extension limiter.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a drawer extension limiter.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the drawer extension limiter shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the drawer extension limiter shown in FIG. 20 installed on a drawer.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of the drawer extension limiter shown in FIG. 21 installed on a drawer.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of decals used in the system.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of the decals shown in FIG. 30 applied to a dresser.

FIG. 32 is a side view of a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view if the apparatus shown in FIG. 32 supporting a dresser.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 with an alternative rear portion.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 34 with a front furniture panel inserted therein.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a front dresser leg inserted therein.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with a front furniture panel inserted therein.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with a front dresser leg inserted therein.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with a foam covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

In the description below the term “unit” will be a more general term used to identify any of the various forms of furniture or appliances utilizing the instant invention. The term “unit” includes; but is not limited to, desks, dressers, filing cabinets, shelves, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, tables, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 36, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 100 is shown having a foot portion 110. Foot portion 110 is generally oval in shape and is generally between 5 or 6 inches to increase furniture stability. Of course the shape of foot 110 is not critical and could be rectangular or other shape as long as it projects out to increase stability. Additionally, the size or shape could be selected to accommodate different size furniture. Foot 110 has a front portion 115 that projects upward from foot 110 and an elevation portion 120. To protect any unit placed on elevation portion 120, a resilient pad 135 is provided. A series of adjustment holes 130 are provided to accommodate an adjustment pin 125. Adjustment pin 125 is inserted behind a front dresser leg 145 or front furniture panel 150 (or more generally as a unit). Furniture and appliance apparatus 100 is made from molded plastic or resins but could be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, nylon, carbon fiber, etc. as long as it is able to mechanically support the mechanical stress of supporting the furniture or appliance.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6 and 37-39, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 200 has a foot portion 210 which is similar to foot portion 110 above. A front portion 215 is angled to snugly support front dresser leg 145 (or again more generally as a unit). The angle is generally between 5 to 10 degrees, but other angles could be selected to meet the needs of a specific use. An elevation portion 220 is also angled as shown in FIG. 38. An adjustment pin 225 is provided to adjustably fit against backside of front dresser leg 145 by removably fitting in a series of adjustment holes 230. Adjustment holes 230 are also angled. In this embodiment, front dresser leg 145 is held securely without leaving a gap as seen in FIG. 36. Front furniture panel 150 is shown inserted in FIG. 37.

A pair of structural supports 140 are shown embedded in foot portion 210 to increase the strength of foot portion 210. Structural supports 140 are steel bars but could be other structural materials as is known in the art. Additionally, a foam covering 240 could be provided to cushion foot portion 210 to prevent injury by a user unintentionally running into foot portion 210.

Now referring to FIGS. 7-9, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 300 is shown having a foot portion 310, a front portion 315 and an elevation portion 320 which are similar to apparatus 200 described above. A rear portion 340 is provided to lockingly fit in elevation portion 320. Elevation portion 320 has an interlocking portion 345 and rear portion 340 has a plurality of interlocking teeth 350 which adjustably fits into interlocking portion 345. In the embodiment shown, front portion 315 and rear portion 340 have a curved portion to accommodate round front furniture legs (not shown), but could be flat as described and shown in FIG. 5. A resilient pad 335 covers the curved portion to protect the furniture as discussed above.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 400 is shown having a foot portion 410, a front portion 415 and an elevation portion 420 which are similar to apparatus 300 described above. A rear portion 440 is provided to lockingly fit in elevation portion 420. Elevation portion 420 has an interlocking portion 445 and rear portion 440 has a plurality of interlocking teeth 450 which adjustably fits into interlocking portion 445. In this embodiment, interlocking portion 445 and interlocking teeth 450 are triangular in shape which allows rear portion to be pushed against furniture while resting against the floor. In this embodiment, interlocking portion needs to be somewhat resilient to allow rear portion to be inserted in a one way locking motion. Again, similar to apparatus 300 described above, front portion 415 and rear portion 440 have a curved portion to accommodate round front furniture legs (not shown), but could be flat as described and shown in FIG. 5. A resilient pad 435 covers the curved portion to protect the furniture as discussed above.

Now referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 500 is shown having a foot portion 510. Foot 510 has a front portion 515 that projects upward from foot 510 and an elevation portion 520. A rear portion 540 is connected to elevation portion 520 and uses an adjustment screw 555 with an adjustment plate 565 and an adjustment knob 560 to adjustably snug a front dresser leg (not shown) therein. Again, apparatus 500 is angled to snuggly support any unit inserted therein as discussed above.

Referring to FIGS. 15-19, a drawer extension limiter 610 is provided to work with the instant system in conjunction with any of the above described furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500) to provide enhanced anti-tip-over protection. Drawer extension limiter 610 has a hook portion 620 that will limit a drawer 630 to travel thereby reducing the torque applied to the dresser if a child should attempt to climb or pull on open drawer 630. This in combination with the use of furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500) ensures that the center of gravity of the unit remains within the base thereby preventing tip-overs. Because many different furniture drawer configurations exist, it is necessary to provide for various positioning of drawer extension limiter 610. To install drawer extension limiters 610 an adhesive strip 615 is provided to allow the user to press the drawer extension limiter in place and thereby affixing it where needed. Any suitable adhesive may be used as long as it strong enough to hold it in place. Of course other methods of installation may be used, such as, but not limited to screws or bolts. Typically, drawer extension limiter 610 allows drawer 630 a maximum travel of 8 inches but other travel allowances may be selected to meet particular applications. FIG. 16 illustrate placing either a central drawer extension limiter installation location 635 or a dual installation location 640. Of course other locations are possible.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the locations shown in FIG. 16. Hook portion 620 will interact with a bottom dresser support 660. To install dresser extension limiter 610 in this configuration, the user removes a protective lining of adhesive strip 615 and rotates drawer extension limiter 610 ninety degrees to pass over bottom dresser support 660 and then rotates back in position with hook portion 620 facing downward. Drawer extension limiter 610 is then pushed up against the bottom of drawer 630 and held in place by adhesive strip 615. Again, as discussed above, other methods of installation are possible.

FIG. 18 shows an installation of drawer extension limiter 610 on an a lower outside edge of drawer 630 where drawer extension limiter 610 interacts with a side dresser support 625 and in FIG. 19 with an installation on an upper outside edge.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 23, a drawer extension limiter 645 is shown for use in an inside drawer edge installation to interact with a top dresser support 655. Again as discussed above, an adhesive strip is used to secure drawer extension limiter 645 in place. Drawer extension limiter 645 may be used on either the inside edge or outside edge of drawer 630.

Now referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 24, a drawer extension limiter 650 is shown having a hook portion 665 that allows it to be installed on an inside edge of drawer 630 and to interact with side dresser support 625. Of course other possible configurations and positioning of drawer extension limiters may be used without departing from the teaching of the present invention as long as drawer 630 is prevented from extending out to the point where the it would tip over if drawer 630 is pulled downward.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 700 has a foot portion 710 and an upright portion 714. A leg rest portion 720 is provided to allow a front dresser leg to rest thereon. A resilient pad 735 is provided to cushion the bottom of the dresser leg. Again, as discussed above, an angle 775 is selected to allow a selected unit to rest securely while being tipped slightly back. In general, the angle is around 5 to 10 degrees, but other angles could be used to suit a particular application. In this embodiment, a plurality of mounting screw holes are provided to allow the user to secure upright portion 714 to a backside of front furniture leg (not shown). In general, furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 700 is made of metal in order to be structurally strong enough to support the selected unit, but other suitable materials may be used.

Now referring to FIGS. 27-29, a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 705 has a foot portion 710 and an upright portion 715. A leg rest portion 720 is provided to allow a front dresser leg to rest thereon. A resilient pad 735 is provided to cushion the bottom of the dresser leg. In this embodiment, a wrap-around leg portion 780 is provided to allow a front dresser leg (not shown) is inserted in wrap-around portion 780 eliminating the need to use screws to secure the front dresser leg therein.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, a set of decals 805, 810, 815, 820 and 825 are provided that may be optionally used to enhance the aesthetics of the instant system especially to make it more attractive for use with children. In the embodiment shown, a pair of ear decals 805 are shown mounted to dresser 840. Likewise a pair of eye decals 810, a mouth and nose decal 815, a tie decal 825 and a pair of feet decals are provided to be attached thereby making the system appealing to children in a friendly and attractive way. Of course other decal images could be used such as other animals, machinery, etc. Decals 805, 810, 815, 820 and 825 have an adhesive applied to at least a portion thereof (not shown) to allow the user to peel away a protective film and apply to the selected unit. Again other methods of applying the decals may be used.

FIGS. 32 and 33 show a furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus 900 for use with a piece of furniture or appliance 930 that does not have traditional legs. In this embodiment apparatus 900 has a foot portion 910 with front portion 915 and a wedge portion 920. An adhesive strip 925 is provided to secure apparatus 900 in place once positioned under a front portion of unit 930. In this embodiment, wedge portion is generally around 12 inches in length; however other lengths may be used to better match specific configurations and furniture or appliance being used.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, furniture and appliance apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is shown having an alternate rear portion 385 which is smaller than the rear portion shown in FIG. 7. Rear portion 385 is dimensioned to allow for use with furniture that does not have legs. Also, in this embodiment, a flat front portion 380 and flat rear portion 385 is provided rather than the curved portions shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment the front portion of unit 310 is placed in between flat front portion 380 and flat rear portion 385 and locked in placed as discussed above. Again, resilient pads 390 are used to protect unit 310.

It would be possible to build in the components of the furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus and system into factory finished units where the units come pre-assembled with feet portions being built in and drawer extension limiters preinstalled. In this embodiment, all of the components of the systems would work together to provide a tip resistant unit such as a dresser, filing cabinet or shelving unit that would be much safer as soon as it is set up without requiring the consumer to install any additional components.

Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatus comprising: a foot portion; a front portion disposed along a back portion of said foot portion; an elevation portion disposed behind said front portion; and an adjustment means for securing a unit within said elevation portion; wherein said unit is secured between an inside portion of said front portion and said adjustment means wherein said unit is elevated along a front part of said unit thereby moving the center of gravity further back from said front part thus stabilizing said unit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion, said elevation portion and said adjustment means are all angled downward at a selected negative angle forming an angled surface wherein said unit will fit snugly therein when said unit is placed on said elevation portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustment means comprises; a plurality of adjustment hole pairs disposed within said elevation portion; and an adjustment pin configured to removably fit within a selected set of said plurality of adjustment hole pairs wherein a selected unit is secured between an inside portion of said front portion and said adjustment pin.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustment means comprises: a rear portion that removably fits within said elevation portion; said elevation portion having an interlocking portion; said rear portion having a plurality of corresponding locking teeth that selectively lock into place with said interlocking portion of said elevation portion wherein said unit is secured when placed between said front portion and said rear portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said interlocking portion and said locking teeth portion are rectangular.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said interlocking portion and said locking teeth portion are triangular.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustment means comprises: a rear portion having an adjustment screw disposed within an upper portion therein; wherein said adjustment screw has an adjustment plate disposed on an inner side and an adjustment knob on an outer side of said adjustment screw whereby when said adjustment screw is rotated said unit is releasably secured within said front portion and said rear portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elevation portion is a wedge and said securing means is an adhesive strip disposed on a top portion of said elevation portion whereby when said unit is placed on said elevation portion, said adhesive strip removably secures said unit to said elevation portion.
 9. A system for stabilizing a unit having at least one drawer to prevent tip-overs comprising: a pair of furniture and appliance stabilizing apparatuses placed under a front portion of a said unit; at least one drawer extension limiter mounted on each of said at least one drawer; wherein said at least one drawer extension limiter comprises a straight portion and a hook portion whereby said at least one drawer extension limiter restricts how far said at least one drawer can move where said hook portion interacts with a structural support of said unit; whereby said unit will remain stabilized even when a downward force is applied to said at least one drawer.
 10. The system for stabilizing a unit having at least one drawer to prevent tip-overs according to claim 9 further comprising at least one decal for decorating said unit whereby said at least one decal is applied to said unit to enhance the aesthetics and usability of said system.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising an resilient pad disposed on an inner surface of said front portion, a top portion of said elevation portion whereby said unit is protected by resting on said resilient pad.
 12. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an resilient pad disposed on an inner surface of said front portion, a top portion of said elevation portion and an inner portion of said rear portion whereby said unit is protected by resting on said resilient pad.
 13. The system for stabilizing a unit having at least one drawer to prevent tip-overs according to claim 9 further comprising an adhesive strip applied to a surface of said at least one drawer extension limiter whereby said at least one drawer extension limiter is secured to a selected surface of said at least one drawer.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a foam covering disposed on said foot portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said foot is oval shaped and protrudes at least 5 inches from said front portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said selected negative angle is between 5 and 10 degrees. 